DICLOFENAC SODIUM TOPICAL GEL, 1%

85/100 · Critical

Manufactured by BluePoint Laboratories

High Seriousness in Adverse Reactions for Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%

323,718 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About DICLOFENAC SODIUM TOPICAL GEL, 1%

DICLOFENAC SODIUM TOPICAL GEL, 1% is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by BluePoint Laboratories. Based on analysis of 323,718 FDA adverse event reports, DICLOFENAC SODIUM TOPICAL GEL, 1% has a safety score of 85 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for DICLOFENAC SODIUM TOPICAL GEL, 1% include DRUG INEFFECTIVE, PAIN, FATIGUE, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for DICLOFENAC SODIUM TOPICAL GEL, 1%.

AI Safety Analysis

Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% has a safety concern score of 85 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 323,718 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Bluepoint Laboratories.

The most commonly reported adverse events include Drug Ineffective, Pain, Fatigue. Of classified reports, 78.6% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. A significant proportion of reported reactions are serious, with 78.6% classified as such.

The most common reactions include pain, fatigue, and rash, indicating potential skin and musculoskeletal issues. There are multiple reports of serious conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus and pericarditis, suggesting potential systemic risks.

Patients taking Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Diclofenac sodium topical gel should be used with caution in patients with known allergies or hypersensitivity to NSAIDs, and should be avoided in patients with active peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 85/100

Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% received a safety concern score of 85/100 (high concern). This is based on a 78.6% serious event ratio across 33,672 classified reports. The score accounts for 323,718 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

DRUG INEFFECTIVE7,369 reports
PAIN7,120 reports
FATIGUE6,730 reports
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS6,149 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT5,803 reports
RASH5,783 reports
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS5,628 reports
ALOPECIA5,586 reports
PEMPHIGUS5,460 reports
GLOSSODYNIA5,420 reports
OFF LABEL USE5,377 reports
SWELLING5,220 reports
ARTHROPATHY5,048 reports
HAND DEFORMITY4,979 reports
JOINT SWELLING4,951 reports
WOUND4,839 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY4,613 reports
INFUSION RELATED REACTION4,607 reports
ARTHRALGIA4,543 reports
HEPATIC ENZYME INCREASED4,412 reports
SYNOVITIS4,325 reports
PERICARDITIS4,227 reports
DRUG INTOLERANCE4,188 reports
CONTRAINDICATED PRODUCT ADMINISTERED4,161 reports
HEADACHE4,025 reports
MATERNAL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY4,022 reports
DISCOMFORT4,005 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED3,984 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE3,906 reports
ANTI CYCLIC CITRULLINATED PEPTIDE ANTIBODY POSITIVE3,771 reports
HYPERTENSION3,588 reports
GENERAL PHYSICAL HEALTH DETERIORATION3,532 reports
DUODENAL ULCER PERFORATION3,504 reports
NAUSEA3,465 reports
HELICOBACTER INFECTION3,456 reports
VOMITING3,312 reports
MUSCULOSKELETAL STIFFNESS3,249 reports
PSORIATIC ARTHROPATHY3,190 reports
TREATMENT FAILURE3,176 reports
DIARRHOEA3,162 reports
BLISTER3,014 reports
DYSPNOEA3,012 reports
TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS2,978 reports
PYREXIA2,923 reports
BLOOD CHOLESTEROL INCREASED2,896 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED2,857 reports
FOLLICULITIS2,851 reports
INFECTION2,846 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE2,833 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS2,827 reports
MALAISE2,799 reports
DIZZINESS2,781 reports
MOBILITY DECREASED2,778 reports
RHEUMATOID FACTOR POSITIVE2,773 reports
IMPAIRED HEALING2,751 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY2,731 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA2,707 reports
PRURITUS2,693 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING2,689 reports
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME2,664 reports
LIVER INJURY2,628 reports
RHEUMATIC FEVER2,597 reports
STOMATITIS2,583 reports
FIBROMYALGIA2,556 reports
INJURY2,553 reports
THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT EFFECT DECREASED2,542 reports
LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION2,435 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER2,407 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY2,394 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION2,387 reports
MUSCLE INJURY2,386 reports
INTENTIONAL PRODUCT USE ISSUE2,360 reports
URTICARIA2,355 reports
DECREASED APPETITE2,277 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER2,259 reports
SINUSITIS2,233 reports
PNEUMONIA2,223 reports
ASTHENIA2,204 reports
WHEEZING2,204 reports
CONTUSION2,195 reports
EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY2,111 reports
ILL DEFINED DISORDER2,068 reports
INSOMNIA2,035 reports
SLEEP DISORDER1,975 reports
SWOLLEN JOINT COUNT INCREASED1,930 reports
OSTEOARTHRITIS1,887 reports
BURSITIS1,811 reports
JOINT RANGE OF MOTION DECREASED1,805 reports
DYSPEPSIA1,762 reports
CHEST PAIN1,752 reports
DRY MOUTH1,723 reports
INFLAMMATION1,702 reports
DEPRESSION1,691 reports
GAIT INABILITY1,685 reports
OEDEMA1,678 reports
SLEEP DISORDER DUE TO GENERAL MEDICAL CONDITION, INSOMNIA TYPE1,676 reports
ASTHMA1,675 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE1,581 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS1,564 reports
PRESCRIBED OVERDOSE1,541 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus and pericarditis are key safety signals indicating potential severe systemic reactions.
  • Multiple reports of gastrointestinal issues, including ulcers and perforation, suggest significant risks in this area.
  • Reports of liver injury and increased liver enzymes indicate potential hepatotoxicity.

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 21,527, Male: 7,825, Unknown: 39. The most frequently reported age groups are age 43 (1,907 reports), age 44 (1,734 reports), age 40 (1,045 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 33,672 classified reports for DICLOFENAC SODIUM TOPICAL GEL, 1%:

  • Serious: 26,461 reports (78.6%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 7,211 reports (21.4%)
Serious 78.6%Non-Serious 21.4%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female21,527 (73.2%)
Male7,825 (26.6%)
Unknown39 (0.1%)

Reports by Age

Age 431,907 reports
Age 441,734 reports
Age 401,045 reports
Age 59668 reports
Age 58442 reports
Age 60436 reports
Age 50412 reports
Age 53374 reports
Age 61372 reports
Age 72367 reports
Age 63361 reports
Age 62359 reports
Age 68359 reports
Age 55342 reports
Age 69342 reports
Age 70342 reports
Age 56339 reports
Age 65339 reports
Age 67332 reports
Age 64331 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Diclofenac sodium topical gel should be used with caution in patients with known allergies or hypersensitivity to NSAIDs, and should be avoided in patients with active peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include drug ineffective, pain, fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, abdominal discomfort. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Follow the prescribed dosage and duration of use as directed by a healthcare provider to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. Monitor for any signs of serious reactions such as rash, swelling, or gastrointestinal issues, and seek medical attention if they occur. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of diclofenac sodium topical gel, and any new or severe adverse reactions should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%?

The FDA has received approximately 323,718 adverse event reports associated with Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% include Drug Ineffective, Pain, Fatigue, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Abdominal Discomfort. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Drug Ineffective (7,369 reports), Pain (7,120 reports), Fatigue (6,730 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%.

What percentage of Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 33,672 classified reports, 26,461 (78.6%) were classified as serious and 7,211 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 21,527, Male: 7,825, Unknown: 39. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%?

The most frequently reported age groups for Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% adverse events are: age 43: 1,907 reports, age 44: 1,734 reports, age 40: 1,045 reports, age 59: 668 reports, age 58: 442 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%?

The primary manufacturer associated with Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% adverse event reports is Bluepoint Laboratories. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% include: Rash, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Alopecia, Pemphigus, Glossodynia. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%?

You can report adverse events from Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%'s safety score and what does it mean?

Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% has a safety concern score of 85 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. A significant proportion of reported reactions are serious, with 78.6% classified as such.

What are the key safety signals for Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%?

Key safety signals identified in Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%'s adverse event data include: Systemic lupus erythematosus and pericarditis are key safety signals indicating potential severe systemic reactions.. Multiple reports of gastrointestinal issues, including ulcers and perforation, suggest significant risks in this area.. Reports of liver injury and increased liver enzymes indicate potential hepatotoxicity.. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% interact with other drugs?

Diclofenac sodium topical gel should be used with caution in patients with known allergies or hypersensitivity to NSAIDs, and should be avoided in patients with active peptic ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%.

What should patients know before taking Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%?

Follow the prescribed dosage and duration of use as directed by a healthcare provider to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. Monitor for any signs of serious reactions such as rash, swelling, or gastrointestinal issues, and seek medical attention if they occur.

Are Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% side effects well-documented?

Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% has 323,718 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. The most common reactions include pain, fatigue, and rash, indicating potential skin and musculoskeletal issues. The volume of reports for Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1% reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Diclofenac Sodium Topical Gel, 1%?

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of diclofenac sodium topical gel, and any new or severe adverse reactions should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch program. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Other Drugs by BluePoint Laboratories

Explore other medications manufactured by BluePoint Laboratories and compare their safety profiles:

ISOSORBIDE DINITRATE (78/100)LOVASTATIN (65/100)POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (85/100)

View all BluePoint Laboratories drugs →

Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.